Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
Mechanism of HIV-1 viral protein R-induced apoptosis
Karuppiah Muthumani1, Andrew Y Choo, Daniel S Hwang
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 505 Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Abstract:
The paradigm of HIV-1 infection includes the diminution of CD4(+) T cells, loss of immune function, and eventual progression to AIDS. However, the mechanisms that drive host T cell depletion remain elusive. One HIV protein thought to participate in this destructive cascade is the Vpr gene product. Accordingly, we review the biology of the HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) an apoptogenic HIV-1 accessory protein that is packaged into the virus particle. In this review we focus specifically on Vpr's ability to induce host cell apoptosis. Recent evidence suggests that Vpr implements a unique mechanism to drive host cell apoptosis, by directly depolarizing the mitochondria membrane potential. Vpr's attack on the mitochondria results in release of cytochrome c resulting in activation of the caspase 9 pathway culminating in the activation of caspase 3 and the downstream events of apoptosis. Vpr may interact with the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) to prompt this cascade. The role of Vpr-induced apoptosis in HIV pathogenesis is considered.
More Related Videos
13:54Preparation of Cell-lines for Conditional Knockdown of Gene Expression and Measurement of the Knockdown Effects on E4orf4-Induced Cell Death
Published on: October 21, 2012
12:03Evaluation of the Efficacy And Toxicity of RNAs Targeting HIV-1 Production for Use in Gene or Drug Therapy
Published on: September 5, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Apoptosis
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...